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ASTA Asks Disney Cruise To Reconsider Commission Cap

Open Jaw

18.04.16

ASTA is calling on Disney Cruise Line to take another look at changes to its commission policy implemented several months ago.

At the end of October 2015, Disney reduced the commission paid to travel agents whose customers booked a future cruise while on board one of its ships. The commission, previously as much as 16% depending on an agent's sales volume, is now capped at 10%.

“A large percentage of members are concerned about a commission policy put in place recently by Disney Cruise Line for clients who book a future cruise while on board, and are asking the company to reconsider its decision given the market share driven by agents,” the organization said in a news release.

A survey of ASTA members found that a whopping 93% of agents say they are "very" or "somewhat" concerned by the new policy, with 70% saying they are recommending or will recommend another cruise line whenever possible."Our agents will book what their clients specifically request, whether that is Disney or any other cruise line," said ASTA President & CEO Zane Kerby. "However, travellers often rely on their trusted travel agent to guide them through their vacation choices, and because of the breadth and quality of cruise inventory available, agents have many alternatives to suggest."

According to the ASTA survey, 68% of agents say their customers are open to booking with cruise lines other than Disney. Just 2.5% said their customers would not be open at all to considering another cruise line.